Commission directs staff to explore local sales tax advocacy, pre-approved building plans, and new revenue mechanisms to address $350,000 per-unit affordability gap
After a two-and-a-half-hour housing work session, commissioners outlined priorities ranging from state legislative advocacy for a local option sales tax to exploring pre-approved building plans and potential revenue bonds. Staff also presented data showing 394 people experiencing homelessness in Gallatin County—down from 523 the prior year—attributed to expanded shelter capacity, new affordable units, and coordinated services.
Advisory Board RoundupParks Board Grapples With Tree Canopy Goals, Budget Questions for Urban Forest Plan
The Urban Parks and Forestry Board spent its July 23 meeting reviewing a draft Urban Forest Management Plan that aims to guide the city's forest strategy over the next decade. Board members raised concerns about whether proposed canopy coverage targets are achievable without significant budget increases and questioned whether the plan adequately addresses tree protection in new developments.
Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board
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Tax Increment Finance Board meeting canceled due to lack of quorum
The Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board was unable to conduct business on July 16 after staff determined insufficient board members were present. Agenda items from the canceled meeting will be rescheduled for a future session.
Tax board reviews Poolyard scoring criteria, affordable housing loan program
The Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board refined application criteria for the Poolyard Urban Renewal District and examined a proposed $2.5 million affordable housing lending pilot during a June 18 work session. Staff will revise language on environmental impacts and loan eligibility before requesting formal votes.
Tax board weighs scoring criteria for stalled North Park industrial district
The Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board discussed a draft point-based system for evaluating development projects in the North Park industrial district, which has sat largely vacant for a decade due to infrastructure barriers and access challenges. The board debated how heavily to prioritize infrastructure investment and whether the criteria should encourage service businesses like muffler shops to locate there.
Tax board approves $2.5M renewal district budgets for 2028
The Tax Increment Finance Advisory Board unanimously approved biennial work plans for four urban renewal districts, with spending totaling approximately $314,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.5 million in FY 2028. The Northeast district budget includes expanded Church Avenue improvements, while the Midtown district approved a restructured budget that could support a $2.5 million affordable housing loan fund.